The Concordia University Department of Recreation and Athletics is celebrating a new $1.3-million gift from Power Corporation of Canada that will help advance the Stingers women's varsity programs.
Power Corporation’s Peter Kruyt, BComm 78, former chair of Concordia’s Board of Governors, made the presentation on Friday evening before the start of the Stingers women’s hockey game.
It’s all about empowering athletes says Olivia Hale, the captain of the women’s hockey team.
“This gift is meaningful in helping us amplify our voices,” says Hale. “I think it will help us improve as athletes performing in our sports. It’s also impactful in relation to giving us the confidence to be leaders and to make a difference beyond our sports. It’s amazing to have donors who recognize our efforts and invest in our ability to go further."
Serena Tchida, a second-year forward with the women’s basketball team, appreciates the respect for her team.
“I want to say thank you,” says Tchida. “It feels good to know that people think highly of us and offer their support. It takes a lot off our shoulders, and it will bring a lot of visibility to our women’s programs. It will help us recruit. Women choosing a university will look hard at a program and how its athletes are supported.”
The generous support from the Fortune Global 500 company will fund annual financial awards open to women’s basketball, hockey, rugby and soccer players
In addition, Power Corporation’s gift will assist the women’s varsity programs in their efforts to develop the complete student-athlete. This includes initiatives focusing on leadership, health and well-being; community outreach and national competitiveness.
“Power Corporation of Canada has made one of the largest philanthropic gifts in Stingers history, which is a game changer,” says Concordia President Graham Carr. “This will have a remarkable impact on women’s sports at Concordia and allow our players to become the leaders of tomorrow.”
Kruyt says the company takes great pride in supporting women’s sports at the university.
“Concordia fosters tremendous athletic talent, as demonstrated by its recent U Sports national championship in women’s hockey,” says Kruyt. “Power Corporation is honoured to help build on this legacy of success.”
Four-time Olympian and Stingers women’s hockey coach Julie Chu says Power Corporation has given her program a significant boost.
“Team success is about so much more than game-day performance,” says the 2022 RSEQ Coach of the Year. “This kind of donor support empowers our work as coaches and gives us access to more critical resources to develop our players on and off the ice.”
